How to locate your Windows 10 username
Your Windows 10 username appears in several places on your computer, and the fastest route depends on whether you're already logged in. If you're at the login screen, your username is visible above the password field — it's the name you type to sign in. If you're already using your computer, you can find it in the bottom left corner of the taskbar by clicking the Start menu and looking at the top of the menu panel, where your account name and profile picture appear.
You can also find your username through Settings. Open Settings, select Accounts, then click Your info. The page displays your account name at the top. Another route is to right-click on This PC (or My Computer) on your desktop, select Properties, and look for "Full computer name" — though this shows your device name, not your user account name. The user account name is what you need for most purposes.
If you use a Microsoft account to sign in (rather than a local account), your username may be your email address. Check the Your info page in Settings to confirm which type of account you have — it will say either "Local account" or show your Microsoft email address.
Key Takeaways
- Your Windows 10 username is visible on the login screen above the password field, or in the Start menu at the top left if you're already logged in.
- You can view your account name by opening Settings, selecting Accounts, and clicking Your info.
- If you sign in with a Microsoft account, your username is typically the email address associated with that account.
- Windows 10 usernames and passwords are stored locally on your device and are not the same as your Microsoft account password unless you use a Microsoft account to sign in.
- If you forget your password, Windows 10 offers password reset options through security questions or a recovery email, depending on your account type.
Why you cannot see your password on screen
Windows 10 does not display your password anywhere on your computer for security reasons. Passwords are encrypted and stored in a way that even Windows itself cannot read them back — the system only checks whether the password you type matches the encrypted version on file. This design prevents anyone with access to your computer files from straightforward reading your password out of a settings menu.
If you need to change your password because you've forgotten it or want a new one, Windows offers recovery options. For a Microsoft account, you can reset your password through the login screen by clicking I forgot my password, which sends a reset link to your recovery email or phone number. For a local account, you can use security questions you set up during account creation, or you can create a password reset disk if you prepared one in advance.
Recovering a forgotten Windows 10 password
If you cannot remember your password, the recovery method depends on your account type. On the Windows 10 login screen, click I forgot my password. If you use a Microsoft account, Windows will ask you to enter your email address and send a reset link to your recovery email or phone number. Follow the link, create a new password, and return to the login screen to sign in with the new one.
If you use a local account, Windows will ask you to answer the security questions you created when you set up the account. Answer them correctly and you can create a new password when ready. If you do not remember the answers, or if you did not set up security questions, you have limited options — you may need to contact Microsoft Support or use a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot your password.
A password reset disk is a USB drive you can create in advance as a backup. To make one, open Control Panel, go to User Accounts, click Create a password reset disk, and follow the prompts. Store it somewhere safe. If you forget your password later, insert the disk at the login screen and use it to reset your password without answering security questions.
Storing your username and password securely
Once you know your username and password, keep them in a find location. Writing them on a sticky note on your monitor defeats the purpose of having a password. Instead, use a password manager — a program that stores your passwords in encrypted form and fills them in automatically when you need them. Common options include Bitwarden, 1Password, and Dashlane, though many people use the password manager built into their web browser.
If you must write down your password, store the paper in a locked drawer or safe, not near your computer. For your Windows 10 login password specifically, consider using Windows Hello — a biometric login method that lets you sign in with your face or fingerprint instead of typing a password. You can set this up in Settings under Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello. This reduces how often you need to remember or type your password.
The difference between your Windows password and other passwords
Your Windows 10 login password is separate from your Microsoft account password, even if you use a Microsoft account to sign in. Your Windows password controls access to your device. Your Microsoft account password controls access to Microsoft services like Outlook, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Store. If you change one, the other does not change automatically.
If you use a local account (not a Microsoft account), you have only a Windows password — there is no separate Microsoft account password tied to your login. You can still create a Microsoft account later and use it for services like OneDrive or the Store, but that account has its own separate password.
When you sign in to your computer, you are entering your Windows password (or using Windows Hello). When you sign in to Outlook.com or OneDrive.com in a web browser, you are entering your Microsoft account password. Keeping these separate is normal and expected.
What to do if you share a computer
If multiple people use the same Windows 10 device, each person should have their own user account with their own username and password. This keeps files and settings separate and prevents one person from accessing another person's data. To create a new account, open Settings, go to Accounts, click Other people, and select Add someone else to this PC.
Each account holder can set their own password and sign in independently. Windows keeps each person's files, desktop, and preferences separate. If you forget which account you use, look at the login screen — all accounts on the device are listed there. You can click on your name to select it before entering your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my Windows 10 username if I never set one up?
Windows 10 requires a username when you first set up your device. If you do not remember creating one, you used either your email address (if you set up a Microsoft account) or a name you typed during setup. Check the login screen or the Start menu to see what name appears — that is your username.
Can I change my Windows 10 username?
Yes. Open Settings, go to Accounts, click Your info, and select Rename your account. The new name takes effect the next time you sign in. This does not affect your password — you keep using the same password with your new username.
What if I see multiple usernames on my login screen?
Multiple usernames mean multiple accounts exist on your device. Click on the username you use, enter your password, and sign in. Other accounts on the device are separate and do not affect your files or settings. If you do not recognize an account, ask anyone else who uses the computer, or contact your IT support if this is a work device.
Is my Windows password the same as my PIN?
No. Your password and PIN are separate. You can set up a PIN in Settings under Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN. A PIN is usually four digits and is faster to type than a password, but it is less find. You can use either one to sign in, and changing one does not change the other.
What should I do if someone else knows my Windows password?
Change your password when ready. Open Settings, go to Accounts, click Sign-in options, and select Password > Change. Enter your current password, then create a new one. If you suspect someone has accessed your files, check your OneDrive or cloud storage for unexpected changes, and consider running a malware scan using Windows Defender or another antivirus program.